The "Just Can't Decide If I Like it or Not" List

Is it Marlo, Marlow, or Marlowe? Suddenly they all seem very much in the air, in tune with rhyming cousins Harlow and Arlo. It all started when Margaret Julia Thomas began being known as Marlo (after being previously nicknamed Margie and Marlow). More recently, Jason Schwartzman used the e-ending version for his young daughter, Marlowe Rivers, as did Sienna Miller for her baby girl Marlowe Ottoline.

Marra is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Italian, it relates to the word for 'bitter' or may derive from place names in southern Italy. It also appears in Celtic traditions possibly meaning 'of the sea.' Some connect it to the Hebrew name Mary or see it as a variation of Mara from the biblical story of Naomi. Marra has maintained low-profile usage across various cultures rather than experiencing dramatic popularity spikes. Its brevity and melodic quality align with contemporary naming trends favoring short, vowel-ending feminine names. The name carries a subtle sophistication and cross-cultural versatility that may appeal to parents seeking something uncommon yet classically feminine with an international flair.

Nahla is a lovely name chosen by Halle Berry for her daughter. Not to be confused with the Disneyfied Nala.

A variation of Nila, a name spread through African by the substantial Indian population there. Also a variant of Neala and Neila.

Paloma is vibrant and ruby-lipped a la jewelry designer Paloma Picasso, but it also suggests peace, as symbolized by the dove. Paloma is a highly recommended striking but soft name, one of the best of the names that mean peace and girls' names starting with P.

Penelope is an unlikely 21st century baby name success story. Off the Top 1000 for 25 years, Penelope jumped back on in 2001 and has been heading uphill ever since, propelled by the trend for mythological names, Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, and some high-profile celebrity babies.

The field of nature names is constantly expanding to include all species of flowers and trees and animals and birds and even fish. In addition to its appeal for anglers, Pike recalls Zebulon Pike, the explorer who discovered and gave his name to Pike's Peak.

Piper is a bright, musical name that entered the list in 1999, one year after the debut of the TV series Charmed, which featured a Piper, and it's been a consistent riser since. Piper Kerman is the memoirist whose prison experiences provided the basis for the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black.

Used almost exclusively in England; would make an equally amiable short form here for Raphael or Rafferty -- and could also stand on its own. If you're looking for boys' names starting with R, this is one of your cooler choices.

Now that many dogs are named Max, it's safe to use this sleek, solid, regal name again for your child. And with the charm of its final x, its regal meaning, and its offbeat simplicity, Rex is definitely one to consider.

River shares the tranquil feeling of all the water names, and seems to have pretty much escaped its past strong association with River Phoenix and his unfortunate fate. Actor Joaquin Phoenix named his son with actress Rooney Mara after his brother River.

Simultaneously a name of Hindi and Sanskrit origin, a spelling variation of the popular Rowan and an anglicized form of Irish Ruadhán, Rohan is a cross-cultural choice.

It may seem like an indecisive cross between Roy and Reece, but Royce was fairly popular in the 1930s and '40s. It has seen a resurgence in recent years, helped by some well-known athlete bearers. The Latin pop singer Prince Royce also has brought renown to the name. And some aspirational parents may see the name as a way to associate with the Rolls-Royce brand.

The streamlined Ruben is much more popular than the original Biblical Hebrew version in the US.

Sandrina is a feminine name of Italian and Portuguese origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Sandra or Alessandra, which ultimately derive from Alexander, meaning 'defender of mankind.' The suffix '-ina' adds a touch of endearment and delicacy to the name. Sandrina carries a romantic, musical quality, perhaps best known from Mozart's opera 'La finta giardiniera.' While more common in Southern European countries, particularly Italy and Portugal, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. The name blends classical heritage with a melodic sound, appealing to parents seeking a name with European flair. Sandrina maintains a timeless charm while being distinctive enough to stand out among more popular Alexandra derivatives.

Sophisticated French choice. Or toxic petrochemical.

Jewish parents in particular may be drawn to this quiet, composed name of the first king of Israel and the name of Saint Paul before his conversion. In modern times, it has been associated with Nobel Prize-winning novelist Saul Bellow. Its meaning makes it appropriate for a long-awaited child.

Saul is a character in a John Dryden poem, and heard in the Handel oratorio, "Saul."

Sienna has been a Top 100 choice in England & Wales since 2005, the year after Sienna Miller's acting breakthrough in the hit movies Alfie and Layer Cake. In the US, it also got a big boost in the early noughties, before dropping slightly then rebounding to reach an all-time high in 2022.

Simon is pure and simple (not in the nursery rhyme sense), and an appealingly genuine Old and New Testament name that's not overused. These factors make Simon a stylish yet classic choice.

Skyla is the most feminine form of the Skylar / Sklyer trend - little Skyla will never be mistaken on paper for a boy.